Niger Delta
Bayelsa Communities Slam Oil Firms Over Alleged Neglect
Elders, women and youth leaders from various communities in Brass, Nembe and Southern Ijaw local government areas of Bayelsa State have decried the alleged neglect of the area by oil companies operating there.
The communities also lamented years of oil spillages that have destroyed their environment, aquatic life as well as air and water.
The communities called on the Bayelsa State Oil and Environmental Commission and international communities to come to their rescue.
They made the claims during the ongoing stakeholders’ forum organised by the BSOEC across the eight local government areas of the state to acquaint the commission with the impact of oil and gas exploration activities on host communities.
At the interactive session in Twon Brass, headquarters of Brass council, stakeholders reeled out tales of woe and expressed their disappointment with the oil companies in their communities.
The Amanyanabo of Twon Brass, King Alfred Diette-Spiff, who was represented by Percy Jerry Wemi-Kuomain said it took several letters and pressure on the company before an oil multinational, Agip came to assess an oil spill.
“The area affected by that spill was 3,172 square metres. But it took Agip more than nine months to award the clean-up contract despite several calls and letters to the company. In fact, Agip is the Lord of the Manor here. Whatever it decides stands.
“It will surprise you to know that for a clean-up of 3,126 square metres that affected Okpoma and Fantuo communities, Agip awarded a contract of N1,100,000. What manner of clean-up was that?” he queried.
Niger Delta
NDDC Begins N50,000 Monthly Payment To 10,000 N’Delta Youths

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has begun the payment of N50,000 monthly stipends to 10,000 indigenous youths from the Niger Delta under its Youths Internship Scheme.
The Director of Corporate Affairs at the NDDC, Mrs Seledi Thompson-Wakama, disclosed this to journalists in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, yesterday.
She explained that the beneficiaries would undergo practical, hands-on training across the various organisations for 12 months to develop critical skills.
Recall that during the inauguration of the scheme on July 31, 2024, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, had announced the Federal Government’s approval of a N50,000 monthly stipend for the trainees.
According to Thompson-Wakama, the commission has successfully completed the selection process and has begun placing trainees in organisations to gain practical experience.
“Consequently, with the completion of these phases, the payment of the monthly stipends has also commenced,” she announced.
She revealed that the 10,000 beneficiaries were transparently selected from over 3.2 million youths who registered for the empowerment programme.
“This unprecedented response highlights the immense potential and aspirations of our youths to improve themselves.
“NDDC remains steadfast in ensuring this life-changing opportunity reaches the most deserving candidates, creating a lasting impact and paving the way for a brighter future,” she stated.
Thompson-Wakama explained that the scheme had enabled the commission to collate essential data, including the qualifications, skills, interests, needs, and employment status of the youths in the region.
The data, she explained, would guide the commission in designing programmes tailored to address the unique challenges faced by young people.
She disclosed that the NDDC partnered with KPMG, a global audit and consultancy firm, to enhance the commission’s corporate governance framework.
“KPMG has produced a Governance Advisory Report that will serve as a tool to support the commission’s transition from a transaction-based to a transformation-focussed policy,” Thompson-Wakama added.
The director commended the youths for their patience and cooperation during the selection process for the scheme.
Niger Delta
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Niger Delta
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